Chapter 3: Computer Assembly IT Essentials v6.0 ITE v6.0 1
Chapter 3 - Sections & Objectives 3.1 Assemble the Computer Build a Computer. 3.2 Boot the Computer Explain how to verify BIOS and UEFI settings. 3.3 Upgrade and Configure a Computer Explain how to upgrade components in a computer system to meet requirements. 3.4 Chapter Summary ITE v6.0 2
3.1 Assemble the Computer ITE v6.0 3
Open the Case and Connect the Power Supply Computer assembly is a large part of a technician's job. Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case. Open the Case Prepare the workspace before opening the computer case. There are also different methods for opening cases. Consult the case s documentation to learn how to open a particular computer case. ITE v6.0 4
Open the Case and Connect the Power Supply Install the Power Supply Modern cases include a specific area for the power supply. Consult the case and power supply s manuals for more information. Align the holes in the power supply with the holes in the case. Secure the power supply to the case using the proper screws. Make sure that all the screws are in place and tightened correctly. Use a cable tie to secure all the cables out of the way. A modular power supply will help eliminate cable clutter within a computer case. ITE v6.0 5
Attach Components to the Motherboard CPU on Motherboard The CPU and motherboard are sensitive to electrostatic discharge. Take precautions. Use the markings on the CPU and motherboard to properly align and install the CPU. The CPU is secured to the socket on the motherboard with a locking assembly. CAUTION: When handling a CPU, do not touch the CPU contacts. Easier to installed the CPU on the motherboard before the motherboard is installed in the computer case. Thermal compound Helps keep the CPU cool and dissipate CPU heat. To install or reseat a used CPU, clean it and the base of the heat sink with isopropyl alcohol to remove the old thermal compound before applying new. ITE v6.0 6
Install the Motherboard (Cont.) Heat Sink/Fan Assembly The Heat Sink/Fan Assembly is a two-part cooling device. The heat sink draws heat away from the CPU. Be sure the heat sink and fan assemble are correctly installed. Install RAM Easier to installed RAM on the motherboard before the motherboard is installed in the computer case. RAM is highly sensitive to ESD. Use the documentation provided with the motherboard and RAM for more information on RAM installation. RAM is designed to install in one specific direction. The notch in the memory module should be aligned with a notch in the memory slot. Make sure to check the markings before applying pressure. ITE v6.0 7
Install the Motherboard (Cont.) Install the Motherboard When the CPU, heat sink, fan and RAM are installed on the motherboard, the motherboard can installed in the case. Plastic and metal standoffs are used to mount the motherboard and to prevent it from touching the metal portions of the case. The I/O connectors on the back of the motherboard should be aligned with the openings in the I/O plate. The I/O connector plate or Backplane makes the I/O ports of the motherboard available for connection in a variety of computer cases. ITE v6.0 8
Install Internal Drives Install the Internal Drive Internal drives are installed in empty hard drive bays found in the case. The empty bay must match the drive s size. Leave some space between the drives when installing multiple drives. The drive s metal plate should face up to allow better heat dissipation. ITE v6.0 9
Install Internal Drives HDD installation steps: 1.Position the HDD so that it aligns with the 3.5-inch drive bay. 2.Insert the HDD into the drive bay so that the screw holes in the drive line up with the screw holes in the case. 3.Secure the HDD to the case using the proper screws. Install the Optical Drive Commonly installed in 5.25 inch (13.34 cm.) drive bays Optical drives are accessed from the front of the case. ITE v6.0 10
Motherboard Expansion Slots Common Expansion slots found on a motherboard: AGP Accelerated Graphic Bus Has 1x, 2x, 4x, 8x speeds PCI Peripheral Component Interconnect Can connect up to five external components PCIe PCI Express Has 1x, 4x, 8x, 16x slots Each type is a different length Has the highest transfer speed of any expansion slot ITE v6.0 11
Install the Adapter Cards Adapter cards are installed to add functionality to a computer. Types of Adapter Cards Examples of adapter cards include: video, Ethernet and wireless network, sound, TV tuner, video capture, external ports such as USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt. PCI and PCIe are two common slots for adapter cards. Install a Network Interface Card (NIC) Enables a computer to connect to a wired network. Commonly use PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. Install a Wireless NIC Commonly use PCI or PCIe expansion slots or USB connectors. Locate an empty expansion slot and follow the manufacturer instructions for proper installation. ITE v6.0 12
Install the Adapter Cards Install a Video Adapter Card The interface between a computer and a display monitor. An upgraded video adapter card can provide better graphic capabilities for games and graphic programs. Commonly uses PCI, AGP or PCIe expansion slots. Many video cards require an external power supply. May require up to two 8-pin power connectors. Due to their cooling systems, modern video cards take more space inside the case. Be sure to plan for the extra space needed. A second video adapter card may be necessary for a computer to use two monitors. ITE v6.0 13
Connect Internal Cables Power cables are used to distribute electricity from the power supply to the motherboard and other components. ATX AUX SATA Molex Berg ITE v6.0 14
Install the Cables Connect Power to Motherboard Motherboards require power to operate. Motherboards also relay power to components and adapter cards. Refer to the motherboard and power supply documentation to ensure compatibility of power supply and motherboard connectors. Modern motherboards require two power connectors for operation. Align the proper connectors and press it down against the motherboard. Remember: If it is difficult to plug in a cable or other part, something is wrong. Do not use more force. ITE v6.0 15
Install the Cables Connect Power to the Internal Drive and Case Fans Some drives accept different power connectors for compatibility. 4-pin Molex and 15-pin SATA are common hard drive connectors. Align the proper connectors and gently press it against the other end. Fans also need power and use 3-pin or 4-pin connectors. ITE v6.0 16
Connect Internal Cables Data cables transmit data between the motherboard and storage devices, such as hard drives. Some of examples of this type of cables are: PATA cable SATA cable Floppy drive data cable Additional cables connect the buttons and link lights on the front of the computer case to the motherboard. ITE v6.0 17
Install the Cables (Cont.) Connect the Internal Data Cables The internal and optical drives typically connect to the motherboard through SATA cables. SATA are keyed to fit in only one direction. They also have locking tabs. Locate the SATA socket on the motherboard, align the connector and press it gently to connect. ITE v6.0 18
Install the Cables (Cont.) Install the Front Panel Cables Most of the case s front panel controls, ports and connectors also connect to the motherboard. Front panel cables and connectors are usually not keyed but may have a + (positive) or (negative) to indicate placement. The front panel cables that must be connected to the motherboard include: power button, reset button, status LEDs and the speakers. ITE v6.0 19
Install the Cables (Cont.) Reassemble the Case Double-check cables and components to ensure that all are correctly installed. Secure case cover screws. Watch for small wires hanging off the case to avoid pinching them. Install the External Cables The power cable should be the last cable to be connected. External cables include: video cable, USB cables, network cable, keyboard, mouse, speakers, microphones, and power. ITE v6.0 20
3.2 Boot the Computer ITE v6.0 21
Boot Computer for the First Time When the computer is booted, the basic input/output system (BIOS) will perform a power-on self test (POST) to check on all of the internal components. Then load the Bootstrap program. POST checks to see that all of the hardware in the computer is operating correctly. If a device is malfunctioning, an error or a beep code alerts the technician that there is a problem. ITE v6.0 22
Boot Computer for the First Time The BIOS contains a setup program used to configure settings for hardware devices. The BIOS configuration data is saved to a special memory chip called a complementary metal-oxide semiconductor (CMOS). It uses a battery to supply it power to retain its memory. If the configuration settings reset or do not remain constant. The battery is probably run down and needs to be replaced. The BIOS can be accessed by pressing a key (usually Delete or F2) during the POST. ITE v6.0 23
POST, BIOS, UEFI BIOS Beep Codes and Setup As the computer boots, it checks its own critical components (POST). The firmware (BIOS or UEFI) uses beep codes to indicate any errors. Critical components include: video card(s), memory and I/O devices. A POST card can be used to help debugging POST problems. BIOS and CMOS BIOS is a firmware; all motherboards need a firmware to operate. Some aspects of BIOS can be configured by the user. BIOS settings are stored in CMOS to survive reboots. ITE v6.0 24
POST, BIOS, UEFI (Cont.) BIOS Setup Program Allows the user to change BIOS settings. Common reasons for changes in the BIOS are system optimizations and hardware changes. Can be accessed by pressing the proper key or key combination during startup. Refer to the motherboard documentation for details. UEFI Setup Program UEFI is also a firmware. Performs the same tasks performed by BIOS and more. Designed to eventually make BIOS obsolete. Can also be accessed by pressing the proper key or key combination during startup. Refer to the motherboard documentation for details. ITE v6.0 25
BIOS and UEFI Configuration BIOS Component Information BIOS or UEFI can provide information about the installed hardware, including: CPU, RAM, hard drives and optical drives. This information can be useful when troubleshooting. BIOS Configurations Allows for customizing specific aspects of the computer hardware The customizable variables and features are manufacturer specific. BIOS settings typically have a direct impact on hardware; incorrect settings have an adverse effect. Main BIOS configuration settings include: time and date, disable devices, boot order, clock speed, virtualization. Adjusting the clock speed will allow the computer to run slower and cooler ITE v6.0 26
BIOS and UEFI Configuration (Cont.) BIOS Security Configuration BIOS includes features to protect BIOS settings, data and recovery options. Common BIOS security features include: BIOS passwords Drive Encryption can prevent data from being read from a hard drive even if the hard drive is moved to another computer. Trusted Platform Module (TPM) Secure Boot LoJack allows the owner of a device to remotely locate, lock, or delete all files from the device. ITE v6.0 27
BIOS and UEFI Configuration (Cont.) BIOS Hardware Diagnostics and Monitoring Useful for monitoring the activity of the motherboard and connected hardware. Common BIOS hardware diagnostic features include: temperature (CPU, RAM and airflow), fan speeds, voltages, clock and bus speeds, intrusion detection and built-in diagnostics. ITE v6.0 28
BIOS and UEFI Configuration (Cont.) UEFI EZ Mode Newer computers replaced BIOS by UEFI firmware. UEFI includes many new major features to address different BIOS shortcomings. Among the changes introduced by UEFI is a new GUI. EZ Mode provides an overview of basic system information. UEFI Advanced Mode Advanced Mode includes more involved features including: Ai Tweaker, Advanced, Monitor and Boot. ITE v6.0 29
3.3 Upgrade and Configure a Computer ITE v6.0 30
Motherboard and Related Components Motherboard Component Upgrades Motherboard upgrades typically lead to other components needing to be upgraded. The new motherboard may also require a new case. Upgrade the Motherboard Record the front panel wire locations if the case documentation is not available. The power should be connected last. Adapters may be needed. Upgrade the BIOS Firmware updates bring fixes and new features. BIOS and UEFI include tools to facilitate upgrades. Modern firmware no longer requires ROM chip replacement Consult the manufacturer s website to download firmware updates. ITE v6.0 31
Motherboard and Related Components (Cont.) Upgrade CPU and Heat Sink and Fan Assembly The new CPU will likely require a new heat sink and fan assembly. The firmware tools can be used to monitor the temperature, fan speed and airflow. Always clean the CPU and heatsink then reapply new thermal compound if reusing or reseating a CPU. Upgrade RAM When upgrading RAM, be sure to consider: Type of RAM currently in use. Are there available RAM slots? RAM module installation scheme. New RAM speed, latency, type, and voltage. Does it all match the existing RAM? ITE v6.0 32
Storage Devices Upgrade Storage Devices Ensure the motherboard supports the data transfer standards used by the new drive. (ATA, SATA, etc) A new drive can provide: More storage space Increase read/write speed Space for a second operating system Increased the system swap file Fault tolerance Backup RAID Support Ensure that pin one of the PATA and FDD data cables is correctly aligned with the connector. When two PATA hard drives are connected to same data cable, one drive must be jumpered as the master, other drive must be jumpered as the slave drive. Each SATA hard drive has its own data cable, therefore, there is no master-slave relationship between drives. ITE v6.0 33
Peripheral Devices Upgrade Input and Output Devices Keyboards and mice upgrades can be done to address user disabilities, poor ergonomics or to accommodate a special task. Monitor upgrades can provide better resolution, more screen area or better image quality. Multiple monitors is considered to be a monitor upgrade. The I/O connector plate makes the I/O ports of the motherboard available for connection in a variety of computer cases. ITE v6.0 34
Loading and Upgrading Drives A Driver is software that acts as a translator between a piece of hardware and software. It is recommended to only use signed drivers. A signed driver has passed the lab test of Microsoft for quality and helps prevent a system from being compromised. Consult the manufacturer s website to download the latest driver version. They are verified to be compatible with the operating system. Only use an unsigned driver if you completely trust the source. ITE v6.0 35
3.4 Chapter Summary ITE v6.0 36
Summary This chapter detailed the steps used to assemble a computer and to boot the system for the first time. These are some important points to remember: Computer cases come in a variety of sizes and configurations. Many of the computer components must match the form factor of the case. The CPU is installed on the motherboard with thermal compound and a heat sink and fan assembly. RAM is installed in RAM slots on the motherboard. Adapter cards are installed in PCI and PCIe expansion slots on the motherboard. Hard disk drives are installed in 3.5 in. (8.9 cm.) drive bays located inside the case. Optical drives are installed in 5.25 in. (13.34 cm.) drive bays that can be accessed from outside the case. Power supply cables are connected to all drives and the motherboard. Internal data cables transfer data between the motherboard and the drives. ITE v6.0 37
Summary (Cont.) External cables connect peripheral devices to the computer. Beep codes signify hardware malfunctions. The BIOS setup program displays information about the computer components and allows the user to change system settings. Computer components require periodic upgrades and replacement parts. Additional hard drives can provide fault tolerance and the ability to install additional operating systems. ITE v6.0 38
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